Wastewater Plant Operator

Gfoat; Sherman (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator I to monitor and maintain wastewater treatment equipment, perform laboratory tests, and ensure plant operations comply with state and federal permits.

In this role you will interpret gauges, adjust processes, and document readings. Requires a high school diploma, formal wastewater operations training, and a Texas wastewater operator license; valid driver's license also required. Training provided for Operator II/III progression.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of formal training related to wastewater treatment operations required.
• Texas wastewater operator license (or equivalent) preferred or as a condition of employment.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment.
• Perform laboratory tests and report results for process control.
• Interpret gauges and data to adjust treatment processes to meet permit requirements.
• Inspect and repair pumps, valves, meters, digesters, and related equipment.
• Safely operate city vehicles and assist with biosolids handling as needed.
• Support senior operators and staff on shift as required.

Skills

Preventive maintenance

Troubleshooting

Reading gauges and data

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Formal wastewater operations training

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Process control instrumentation

Job description

The Wastewater Plant Operator performs tasks related to the safe operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater treatment systems. Responsibilities include inspecting, operating, calibrating, and maintaining wastewater and sludge handling equipment as well as various physical, chemical, and biological testing systems. Operators are responsible for using test data and operator knowledge to make process changes to ensure plant operations are within permit parameters.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

OPERATOR I

In coordination with other staff, monitor, operate, and maintain wastewater treatment equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, motor controllers, blowers, aerators, filters, digesters, chemical feed equipment, automatic sampling equipment, disinfection equipment, and sludge handling equipment.

Monitor and interpret gauges, digital and computer displays, and various recording devices to determine adjustments needed to process.

Monitor and adjust wastewater treatment processes such as screening, primary/secondary solids removal, activated sludge, anaerobic digestion, disinfection, and sludge disposal to ensure the wastewater treatment plant is operating in accordance with all applicable state and federal permit requirements.

Perform various laboratory tests, record meter/equipment readings and accurately report the results on various logs, forms and computer databases for process control and reporting purposes.

Inspect, adjust, and repair wastewater treatment equipment such as bar screens, flow meters, pumps, clarifiers, UV systems, blowers, motors, valves, aerators, filters, samplers, and digesters.

Perform biosolids recycling activities to include land filling, land application, manifesting, testing, loading, and unloading of processed and dewatered sludge.

Safely operate City vehicles, trailers, tractors, skid loaders, and other required equipment, follow proper safety procedures, anticipate unsafe circumstances and respond accordingly to prevent accidents.

Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors and/or other licensed operators.

OPERATOR II (In addition:)

Independently able to operate all city wastewater treatment equipment.

Ability to serve as the lead operator on shifts.

OPERATOR III (In addition:)

In collaboration with management, train, lead, and mentor staff.

Independently able to make process adjustments and troubleshoot wastewater operations.

Experience:

• Previous work experience performing preventive maintenance and basic repair work on pumps, motors and/or related mechanical/electrical equipment.
• Previous work experience in the operation of wastewater treatment systems is required.

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of formal training related to wastewater treatment operations is required.

Licenses/Certifications:

Operator I
Possession of a valid Class “C” or greater Motor Vehicle Operators License.

Possession of a valid Class “C” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license issued by the state of Texas is required. Maintenance of this license is required as a condition of employment.

Operator II/III
Possession of a valid Class “C” or greater Motor Vehicle Operators License.

Possession of a valid Class “B” wastewater treatment plant operator’s license or higher issued by the State of Texas is required. Maintenance of this license is required as a condition of employment.